Checked: Oct 2026
Outdoor enrichment without free roaming
Humane World for Animals describes a catio as a screened cat patio that provides enrichment and a safe way to spend time in nature. It can be a simple window box or a larger room with a floor, roof, and furniture.
PetMD says catios provide mental stimulation through outdoor sights, sounds, and smells while helping protect cats from cars, other cats, coyotes, and other outdoor hazards. Keeping cats enclosed also protects birds and wildlife from cat predation, according to Catio Spaces.
A catio adds outdoor space to your cat’s indoor home; it does not replace that home. Catio Spaces says outdoor catios are not intended to house cats full-time.
Choose by space, cats, and budget
Use the picker above to narrow your options, then measure the location and decide how your cat will enter. Compare a window box or balcony model for those spaces; for a patio or yard, consider an attached enclosure or a freestanding structure with a tunnel. Humane World for Animals notes that many prefabricated models need a level surface, such as a deck, concrete pavers, or leveled lawn.
Plan for how many cats will use the enclosure, with enough room for them to move comfortably. Younger, energetic cats may use climbing structures and shelves at multiple levels, while a quiet senior may appreciate comfortable lounging spots in the sun. Leave yourself access for cleaning, too.
Buying saves building time, but prefabricated catios still require assembly. DIY calls for enclosure-specific plans, suitable materials, and step-by-step instructions; hiring a builder is an option for a completely custom design. For budget context, Catio Spaces lists PDF plans at $39.95–$69.95 and custom catios at $3,000–$30,000 or more, depending on complexity; prices were checked in October 2026.
If you rent or expect to move, consider a portable model and check what installation your landlord allows before choosing an attached design. Homeowners should check with their city and homeowners’ association about approval requirements. A permanent custom build is not the right starting point if you need an enclosure you can relocate.
Read next before you commit
Start with the type that fits your location, then compare the work and cost involved. Read the safety guidance before ordering a kit or choosing a plan, not after installation.
- Types: compare window, balcony, attached, and freestanding catios.
- Kits: check dimensions, assembly requirements, secure locks, and cleaning access.
- Free plans: look for enclosure-specific instructions and materials lists before building.
- Cost: separate plan, material, and hired-labor expenses.
- Safety: check roof enclosure, window exits, snow loads, and plant toxicity.
Questions people ask
Can a catio attach to a window?
Yes. Humane World for Animals describes window boxes and attached catios that provide access through a window or pet door. It cautions against covering a bedroom window unless another human-sized exit is available.
Is it cheaper to buy or build a catio?
There is no single answer: size, location, materials, and hired labor affect the comparison. Buying saves construction time, while DIY requires plans and materials; compare the complete costs rather than the plan price alone.
Does a catio need a roof?
Yes. Catio Spaces says a wire or solid roof is required to keep cats inside and wildlife outside. In regions with heavy snowfall, Humane World for Animals advises choosing a structure that can withstand the snow’s weight.
Do you need a permit for a catio?
Catio Spaces says the catio’s size and location may require a building permit or homeowners’ association approval. Check with your city and association before ordering or building.
Sources
Facts, prices and rules on this page come from these pages, read on October 9, 2026. Sellers change prices and plans often; check the source before you buy.
- Humane World for Animals (humaneworld.org)
- Everything You Need To Know About Catios for Cats (petmd.com)
- Catio Spaces (catiospaces.com)
- Catio Spaces: Is It Cheaper to Buy or Build a Catio? (catiospaces.com)
